Harlan’s Star Linebacker: Elijah Walton
Elijah Walton is a 2024 recruit who plays Linebacker at Harlan High School. Walton is ranked among one of the top recruits in the class of 2024 and is ranked among one of the top Linebackers in the class as well. In addition, Walton is listed among one of the top recruits in the state of Texas and is listed among one of the top Linebackers in the state of Texas. He currently holds an offer from Army.
Who are some role models in your life?
Some role models in my life are my parents and older brother. My parents have done so much for me over the past 17 years. My mom is my rock; we’ve gone through a lot together over the past couple of years and we’ve kept each other afloat. My dad is my motivator; he’s always telling me how I can get better and to never stay complacent. My brother is my ride or die; I know that no matter what, my brother will always be there for me and I can always count on him.
What artists do you listen to pregame, to get you hyped up?
The artist I listen to before every game is Lil Baby. While I have never lived in the hood and had to “make it out”, I can connect with Lil Baby on the struggles of being black in America. One of my favorite songs by him would have to be Bigger Picture. In the song Lil Baby raps “It’s too many mothers that’s grieving – They killing us for no reason – Been going on for too long to get even -Throw us in cages like dogs and hyenas”. This verse really spoke to me and made me appreciate Lil Baby for rapping about the need for civil change instead of guns, drugs, and sex.
What are the strengths of your game?
I would say the three strengths of my game are my ability to regulate my emotions, my attitude when it comes to diagnosing plays and formations, and my leadership. First, you always have to have a positive attitude when playing the game, as well as a short memory to not get caught up in all of the bad and make more mistakes. You also need not to get so caught up in the good because the moment you get comfortable is when you make mistakes. Secondly, I feel I have a knack for reading what offenses are going to do based on the film I watch and the formations they line up in. I feel I can also read the pull and come down hill quick. Lastly, I feel I am a great leader. I am able to motivate and encourage my teammates while also leading by example. On the field I sometimes feel like the field general relaying the plays and making adjustments.
What is your favorite memory of your career?
I have two favorite sports moments. One would be when I was a sophomore and was playing in my first ever playoff game against a team in Laredo. There was one play where we as a defense were lined up against the goal line and there was a play to the outside. Both me and brother simultaneously got to the outside and tackled him at the same time. I didn’t even notice it until after the game when I watched the film but that play right there was what I worked so hard for when I first started playing football. wanted to make varsity and play with my older brother. My second favorite sports moment was this year against Warren High school. The score was tight all game and came down to overtime. My team had scored effortlessly and now it came down to the defense. There were some bad calls that were made that allowed for them to get on the goal line. On the last play of the game my nose stuffed the middle and caused the running back to fumble. I saw and jumped on the ball and was able to get up and run with it, celebrating with my team the hard fought victory.
Who is the best player you have ever played with or played against in your career?
I would say the best players have ever played with would be Xavier Walton (my brother), David Myers, and Jacob Gonzales. Each one of them were studs my sophomore year. Xavier Walton was very quick, could come down hill and make big hits, and break up passes downfield. David Myers was able to diagnose plays, shed off blocks, and get to the ball every play. Jacob Gonzales was a beast, if you watched his highlights it looks like he’s in a video game. Jacob could make quick cuts, juke defenders, and get down the field fast.
What is some advice you would give to an aspiring D1 athlete?
Some advice I would give to an aspiring D1 athlete is to work hard both in academics and on the field. You can’t do one without the other, it just won’t work. You need also to love the grind and the process while not getting so caught up in the offers. If you’re patient and can ball, they’ll find you.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Honestly if I could travel anywhere in the world it would be to the Bahamas. Whether it be on a cruise or even just a week stay. I’ve always wanted to travel to a clear beach where you can go scuba diving with the fish and sea wildlife, as well as go fishing to catch some huge fish. I would also want to go to the Atlantis water park to go on water rides.
How old were you when you fell in love with the game?
I would say I fell in love with the game the day I started playing back in 7th grade. Of course with any relationship your going to have some ups and downs. But there’s nothing like strapping up on a Friday night playing in front of a crowd with the band blaring and just having fun. The funny thing is I use to want to be a running back but my middle school coach told me was going to be a line backer. At first I was bummed out about it, then after I played my first game I loved it and knew linebacker was the position for me.
If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?
Honestly it might sound kind of corny but I grew up playing baseball so I always thought it would be cool if I could have met Jackie Robinson. I actually wear the number 24 because it’s my favorite number but it’s also 42 backwards so I feel in some way I’m able to pay homage to him and for what he did for blacks in all sports as a whole.
